Monday, February 17, 2025

FEMA Warns of Disaster-Related Fraud Schemes

Officials urge survivors to watch for scams targeting disaster assistance

The Altadena Sheriff’s Station is sharing Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance about potential fraud targeting disaster survivors through fraudulent applications and schemes.

After a disaster, scam artists often attempt to take advantage of disaster survivors, according to Federal Emergency Management Agency guidance shared by the Altadena Sheriff’s Station.

Individuals who suspect their personal information has been used for fraudulent Federal Emergency Management Agency applications can report it to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Investigations and Inspections Division at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or (866)223-0814.

Reports can also be submitted to the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud at 866-720-5721.

Additional information about disaster fraud is available at fema.gov/disaster-fraud.

Monday, February 17, 2025

Big Homeowner Rate Hike from State Farm Shot Down by California Regulator

By LEVI SUMAGAYSAY, CALMATTERS

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara today rejected State Farm’s request for “emergency” rate increases, setting up what could be a highly consequential showdown with the state’s biggest insurer — and going against the recommendation of his staff experts.

Lara, who has been urging insurance companies to write policies in the state again despite increasing wildfire risks, says in a letter to State Farm executives that he needs more information before he can approve an increase. He asks them to appear before him in person on Feb. 26 at the Insurance Department’s office in Oakland to answer his questions at an “informal conference.”

“The burden is on State Farm to demonstrate that interim relief is warranted under the circumstances,” the commissioner says in his letter. “My goal is to make sure policyholders do not have to pay more than is required. In light of the recent Los Angeles wildfires, State Farm’s customers need real answers about why they are being asked to pay more and what responsibility the company’s leadership is taking to get its financial house in order.”

“State Farm’s customers need real answers about why they are being asked to pay more and what responsibility the company’s leadership is taking to get its financial house in order.”

Ricardo Lara,

Monday, February 17, 2025

Altadenans to Rally Around Town’s Recovery At Major Support Event Today

Wildfire-stricken neighborhoods get boost from grassroots Coalition, which will offer rebuilding resources and family activities at gathering today

The Altadena Coalition (Altadena Strong) is hosting a comprehensive community support event today at 2270 Lake Avenue, combining disaster recovery resources with family entertainment to help rebuild after the devastating Eaton Fire.

The event is scheduled to run from noon to 6 p.m. Little Caesars’ Love Kitchen will partner with The Pepsi Foundation to serve up to 1,000 pizzas. There will be rebuilding resources and entertainment for children during the event.

“Altadena is not for sale—together, we rebuild stronger,” say Coalition leaders Freddy Sayegh and Pastor BJ King, both Altadena residents.

A free community rebuilding workshop will offer one-on-one assistance, application reviews, insurance guidance, Q&A sessions, and long-term recovery planning, with special support for seniors and bilingual individuals.

Seven major organizations, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, American Red Cross, Army Corps of Engineers,

Monday, February 17, 2025

Altadena Disaster Center Open as Most Government Offices Close for President’s Day

The Altadena Disaster Recovery Center at 540 W. Woodbury Road will open at 9 a.m. sharp as usual today, President’s Day, but most non-emergency or first-responder federal, state and local departments and services will close for the holiday.

Schools, courts, and financial institutions are closed today. There will be no regular postal services.

Pasadena Fire and Police Departments will continue to provide patrol, jail, fire, paramedic and other emergency services during the holidays. For life-threatening emergencies, residents should call 911. For non-emergencies, contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-4241. The department urges residents who “See Something, Say Something” to report suspicious activity to the same number.

Residents will experience no disruption in trash collection services, with pickup continuing as scheduled. However, multiple city facilities face temporary closures, including all Pasadena Public Library branches (Feb. 16-17), the City Service Center (reopening Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 8 a.m.), the Housing Department, the Municipal Services Payment Center, and Parking Office.

The Permit Center will close but continues offering online services,

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Altadena Chamber Steps Up Recovery Efforts After Eaton Fire

Local business organization launches new initiatives to support affected members

The Altadena Chamber of Commerce & Civic Association has intensified its support efforts following the Eaton fire that destroyed multiple member businesses.

The organization has launched a new website and expanded its communication strategy to better serve the affected business community.

On Saturday, the Chamber issued a calendar listing a half dozen or more upcoming events as part of its enhanced response to the crisis.

Today, February 16, the Altadena Chamber is hosting “Melodia Mariposa: Altadena Strong – We Will Build Fundraiser” on February 16 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1757 N. Lake Ave, Pasadena. This free event runs from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., demonstrating the community’s commitment to rebuilding efforts. It will feature the Lyris Quartet and guest artists (Alan Chapman, Bruce Broughton. Proceeds will support Altadena musicians/businesses impacted by Eaton Fire. For more Melodia Mariposa: melodiamariposa.org.

As part of its recovery initiative,

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Pasadena Assemblymember Introduces Bill to Shield Wildfire Victims From Insurance Fee Gouging

New legislation targets unfair practices by public adjusters during disaster recovery

A new California bill aims to protect wildfire survivors and other disaster victims from excessive fees and unfair practices by public insurance adjusters.

Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena) introduced AB 597 – The Insurance Payment Protection Act on Friday. If passed, the bill would set new safeguards to protect policyholders from unfair fees and price gouging by public adjusters after major disasters.

“Public adjusters should help wildfire survivors rebuild, not wreck their recovery. Some public adjusters will charge excessive fees or take a portion of homeowners’ insurance payouts through unfair practices. I’m proud to partner with Commissioner Lara on AB 597 to ensure wildfire survivors get every dollar they deserve to rebuild their lives,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena).

The legislation, sponsored by the California Department of Insurance, addresses growing concerns about policyholder exploitation during vulnerable periods after disasters. Inspired by the need to safeguard policyholders during vulnerable times, the bill applies to both residential properties and certain commercial properties,

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Eaton Fire Victims Relocated From Pasadena Convention Center to Duarte Facility

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger announced Friday that Eaton Fire evacuees who have been living at the Pasadena Convention Center Auditorium were being relocated to a facility in Duarte’s Pamela Park.

“We have been working closely with households to make the transition to Pamela Park as smooth as possible and they are almost all relocated into their new shelter site,” Red Cross representative Mary Simkins, Assistant Director of External Relations for Eaton Fire Disaster Relief Operation, told Pasadena Now.

Thursday night’s count reflected 125 individuals being located, Simkins said.

When the Red Cross assumed management of the Pasadena shelter, complex officials requested that use of the facility be returned to the City of Pasadena shortly after the first week in February, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services.

The City granted an extension for the shelter until an appropriate new location could be found.

The focus of the County and the American Red Cross had been to find a shelter location closer to where the remaining evacuees lived,

Friday, February 14, 2025

Sheriff Luna Says Immigration Enforcement Is Not in Department’s Jurisdiction

CITY NEWS SERVICE

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said, despite recent crackdowns on immigration during President Donald Trump’s administration, his department’s policies on enforcement and assistance have not changed Friday.

Luna reinforced his position that immigration enforcement is not part of the sheriff’s department’s jurisdiction.

“I can assure people that we are not going to participate in (ICE) sweeps,” Luna during an interview with ABC 7 on Thursday.

Additionally, Luna said the sheriff’s department does not have the resources to assist in ICE operations.

“For an immigration challenge, that is a civil immigration issue; it’s a federal law enforcement issue,” Luna said. “We in local law enforcement have our hands full. Most of our departments are short-staffed.

“We’re doing so many things to service our community, we simply don’t have the staffing to start assisting in immigration enforcement.”

Even though Luna said the sheriff’s department will not assist ICE and immigration enforcement, it is monitoring local responses to increased immigration activity.

Friday, February 14, 2025

Guest Opinion: Cate York: “It Was My Dream to Work for the U.S. Government”

By CATE YORK

Years ago, wrecked with climate anxiety, I left my Hollywood job for something much sexier: Midwestern utility consumer advocacy. I drove around Illinois, scraping ice off my windshield and spreading the good word of the clean energy transition. Feeling lost in the indifference of an inequitable energy system, I went back to school to expand my scope and to deepen my capacity to contribute something – anything – to a planet that is dying. Graduating with my master’s in Environmental Management this past May, I couldn’t believe it – I had two (!!) job offers in the federal service, one with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Methane Emissions Reduction Program, and one with the Department of Energy’s Federal Energy Management Program.

Then the election happened. I spent days anxiously gaming out the incoming administration and reading the not-so-subtle tea leaves of Project 2025. The EPA job was in DC, and in the Climate Change Division, while the DOE job was remote,

Friday, February 14, 2025

Los Angeles County Seeks Rental Units for Families Displaced by Eaton Fire

County urgently seeks one- and two-bedroom units within 10-mile radius of fire zone

Los Angeles County officials have launched an immediate initiative to secure rental housing for families displaced by the Eaton Fire. The Los Angeles County Development Authority is working alongside the American Red Cross to identify available one- and two-bedroom rental units within a 10-mile radius of the Eaton Fire boundary, with properties in Pasadena, Glendale, and Monrovia especially needed. 

“We have an immediate need to support wildfire survivors who have been displaced from their homes and want to remain close to their communities,” said Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger. “Many of these families are struggling to rebuild their lives while ensuring stability for their children. I urge property owners with available units to partner with us and provide a lifeline for those in need.” 

Displaced renters will be responsible for covering rental costs similar to any other private market tenant. 

“Property owners are the key to helping the County’s impacted residents start to rebuild their lives,”